Can the Carnivore Diet Cause or Worsen Hemorrhoids?

Understanding Hemorrhoids on the Carnivore Diet

The carnivore diet, an eating plan consisting of only animal foods like meat, fish, eggs, and certain dairy products, has surged in popularity over the last few years. Proponents claim it can aid weight loss, reduce inflammation, and improve a variety of health conditions.

However, the highly restrictive nature of the carnivore diet may also lead to potential nutritional deficiencies and other issues. One possible side effect is the development or worsening of hemorrhoids.

What are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are swollen and inflamed veins located in the anus and lower rectum. They often develop from increased pressure in the area due to straining from constipation and diarrhea.

Internal hemorrhoids occur inside the rectum and usually do not cause pain. External hemorrhoids around the outside of the anus can become painful if blood supply is cut off by swelling and clotting, a condition known as thrombosis.

Symptoms of hemorrhoids include:

• Bright red blood on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl
• Anal itching, pain, and swelling
• A lump near the anus
• Leakage of feces

Hemorrhoids frequently flare up and subside. But in some cases, they persist and require medical treatment. Let's look at how the carnivore diet may impact hemorrhoids.

Lack of Fiber

One of the biggest concerns with the carnivore diet is that it eliminates all plant foods, the main source of fiber. Most Americans already fall short of the recommended 25-30 grams of daily fiber.

Fiber plays a key role in forming soft, bulky stool that is easy to pass. Without adequate fiber from vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains, and nuts, stools become hard and difficult to move through the intestines.

Straining to pass hard, constipated stools increases intra-abdominal pressure in the anus and rectum. This can obstruct blood flow and lead to enlargement of hemorrhoid veins.

In addition, hard stools irritate the sensitive tissues of the anus. This can cause tiny tears that become inflamed and develop into hemorrhoids.Softening stool is critical for preventing painful hemorrhoid flareups.

Gut Microbiome Imbalance

Fiber nourishes beneficial gut bacteria that play numerous important roles in digestion. Without adequate prebiotic fiber from plants, the microbiome can become unbalanced.

There is some evidence that altered gut flora could contribute to the development of hemorrhoids. And gastrointestinal issues like constipation and diarrhea, which can result from gut dysbiosis, clearly exacerbate hemorrhoids.

Following an all-meat diet long-term severely restricts the dietary components that feed probiotic bacteria. This may indirectly promote hemorrhoid issues over time.

Increased Risk of Dehydration

Hydration is important for maintaining soft bowel movements that do not stress and strain the anus and rectum. With the carnivore diet's restrictions on fruits, vegetables, beans, grains, and other plants, increased fluid intake is essential.

Most calorie-containing beverages like milk, juice, and soda are not included in a strict carnivore eating plan. And plain water lacks nutrients and fiber that improve fluid retention.

Making a conscious effort to drink adequate water is important on a no-plant diet. Dehydration leads to harder stools and constipation, increasing hemorrhoid risk.

Potential Nutrient Deficiencies

Nutritional deficiencies are another concern with long-term carnivore dieting. Lack of plant foods may result in inadequate intake of antioxidants, phytochemicals, fiber, unsaturated fats, and numerous vitamins and minerals.

Deficiencies in some specific micronutrients may contribute to hemorrhoid development, including:

• Vitamin C - Needed for collagen formation and tissue repair.
• Bioflavonoids - Help stabilize blood vessels and improve circulation.
• Magnesium - Relaxes muscles and acts as a natural laxative.
• Calcium - Required for muscle contractions to move stool.

Ensuring sufficient intake of these nutrients may help prevent hemorrhoids. Supplementation may be necessary on a carnivore diet since they all come primarily from plant foods.

Increased Meat Consumption

Even those following a balanced omnivorous diet could aggravate hemorrhoids by overdoing meat, eggs, and cheese. And the carnivore diet is almost entirely animal products.

High intake of meat, while low in fiber, boosts levels of arachidonic acid. This promotes inflammation, which can enlarge hemorrhoids. In addition, meat takes longer to move through the colon than plant matter.

Eating fewer processed meats like bacon and sausage may help. These have been associated with worse constipation and hemorrhoid symptoms compared to leaner cuts.

Preventing and Managing Hemorrhoids on the Carnivore Diet

The potential downsides of the carnivore diet pose clear hemorrhoid risks. However, with some sensible precautions, it may be possible to follow this eating plan without exacerbating hemorrhoids.

Increase Fluid Intake

Drink at least 2-3 liters of plain water daily and consider adding mineral water for electrolytes. Herbal teas can provide flavor and polyphenols. Broths contain some minerals as well.

Monitor the color of your urine - if it's consistently dark, increase fluids. Proper hydration is crucial on a no-plant diet.

Consume Dairy Products

Include full-fat unsweetened yogurt and cheese daily. Dairy provides some fluid as well as calcium and magnesium to support muscle contractions.

Kefir and unsweetened Greek yogurt also supply probiotics to support digestive health. Just monitor dairy intake if you are sensitive or intolerant.

Eat Liver and Other Organ Meats

Organ meats like liver are rich sources of vitamin C, B vitamins, iron, and other nutrients essential for tissue integrity and wound healing. Eat liver or kidney once or twice a week.

Supplement Wisely

A general multivitamin and mineral supplement helps fill any nutritional gaps. Increase vitamin C to 500-1000 mg daily and consider bioflavonoids. Magnesium supplements also help relax muscles and acts as a natural laxative.

Increase Omega-3 Fats

Balance inflammatory omega-6 fats by including oily fish like salmon, sardines, or cod 3-4 times per week. Consider a fish oil supplement as well.

Eat More Eggs

Eggs provide protein along with antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin. Their high sulfur content helps make stools softer and easier to pass.

Try Psyllium Husk

Stir 1-2 tablespoons psyllium husk into drinks once or twice daily. Psyllium is a soluble fiber that absorbs liquid in the gut, forming a gel to ease constipation and soften stools.

Exercise Regularly

Stay active with both aerobic exercise and strength training most days of the week. Physical activity supports circulation and bowel motility to reduce hemorrhoid flareups.

Practice Squat Toileting

Use a low stool to elevate your feet and knees in a squatting position during bowel movements. This straightens the anorectal angle and allows for easier elimination.

See Your Doctor

Make an appointment with your physician if you experience bleeding, pain, or changes in bowel movements. More advanced hemorrhoids may require medication or minimally invasive procedures.

The Carnivore Diet and Hemorrhoids: Final Thoughts

Transitioning to an all-meat diet does appear to increase the risk of developing or exacerbating hemorrhoids due to lack of fiber, gut microbiome changes, dehydration, and nutritional deficiencies.

Following the suggestions above to promote hydration, supplement wisely, increase omega-3 fats, add eggs and organ meats, and use psyllium husk can help mitigate these risks.

Still, it may be wise to follow a carnivore diet under the supervision of a physician, nutritionist, or other qualified healthcare practitioner. Bloodwork can help monitor for nutrient shortfalls.

A more balanced diet tailored to your individual needs with plenty of plant foods may be a healthier long-term eating pattern. But with prudent precautions, an all-meat diet may be manageable for some individuals looking to follow this restrictive regimen.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.